Overlooking The Indigestion

December 24, 1986|The Morning Call

"Christmas itself may be called into question

If carried so far it creates indigestion."

- Ralph Bergenren, "The Unwise Christmas"

Yes, the elongated holiday foofaraw tends to create indigestion. . . and sullenness, ill temper and related negative aspects of the human condition. Blessedly, we have been spared the tribulations of icy streets and slushy sidewalks, but crowds at the stores, impatient and intolerant, have made up for the climatological respite. Indigestion, indeed.

But, then, there is the positive aspect of this holiday season, and that aspect is reflected in the news headlines.

"Minister's present is his health": The Rev. Paul Bult probably would not have celebrated this Christmas season with his family had it not been for a dual transplant of kidneys and pancreas, organs from the victim of an accident. Disease and injury had diminished his life, both in its projected span and in its quality. Now, however, the father of six looks forward to the holidays. The family of the 18-year-old accident victim has provided a generous helping of the spirit of giving - with the ultimate gift.

"City business makes sure 1,000 needy kids get toys": There are few rewards as great as bringing joy to a child. Richard Muller Jr., president of Ice City, knows such rewards. He turned his Allentown business into a Christmas fantasyland and invited more than 1,100 needy youngsters to tour the richly decorated store and select any toy they wanted. Children may have trouble verbalizing gratitude, but they can say volumes with shining eyes.

There are countless other examples of the positive side of the holidays: the small kindnesses, the little courtesies. Let us never forget those good things that make this time of year a sumptuous repast - and dismiss the occasional twinge of indigestion.